Back-to-School Backpack Drive 2023

NOW THROUGH AUGUST 15th!

Now more than ever, let’s continue to help children in need start the school year off right.  We are in need of 250 sturdy backpacks to supply children as they look forward to beginning a successful school year. Items donated benefit the children of JFCS pantry and partner agency clients in the Greater Mercer community.

3 Ways to Donate

  1. Order and ship supplies from your website of choice to 707 Alexander Rd, Suite 204 Princeton NJ 08540
  2. Drop off items in our donation bin inside the front door of: 707 Alexander Road, Suite 102, Princeton NJ 08540
  3. Purchase an Amazon.com gift card for us and we’ll take care of the shopping for you!

Consider purchasing a bundle to help us reach our goal:

Backpack 12-count
Backpack 18-count
Backpack 24-count
Backpack 24-count

Tips for Parents to Focus on Kids’ Mental Health as They Head Back to School

Sometimes new routines and new schedules can exacerbate mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. This can be common when children and teenagers experience a change in their routines.

What are some ways to address these changes? 

For parents of small children, some ways to help your child’s back to school anxiety may include using a calm voice to reassure that their child is safe and protected. In addition, reinforcing routines can be helpful such as setting a realistic bedtime and selecting the next day’s clothes to wear. Arranging playdates with a familiar peer before school starts may help to lessen the anxiety.

For teens that are expressing anxiety about going back to school, listening to them can play an important role in supporting their mental and physical health. In addition, practicing breathing techniques can reduce stress. This can be taught by inhaling slowly through the nose, holding the breath for a count of four and then exhaling slowly.

If children or teens are experiencing ongoing anxiety, panic attacks or refusing to go to school, additional mental health support may be needed. A trained mental health professional can help your child or teen understand the root causes of the anxiety and help with coping skills.

Make sure you take your mental health and your child or teens mental health seriously.

by Elana Silverberg, MSW Intern

To speak with a member of our team, call 609-987-8100 or e-mail intake@jfcsonline.org.

September is Hunger Action Month! Everyone can help!

Shopping at the grocery store these days shows us how the inflation rate, at its highest in 40 years, is affecting our budgets. For our clients, the impact is even greater. In an effort to meet community needs, we encourage everyone to participate in Feeding America‘s Hunger Action Month this September.

In Mercer County, 1 in 12 individuals is estimated to be food insecure.  Our brick-and-mortar and mobile food pantries are seeing significantly increased demand and we are looking to you to help support our community.  It doesn’t take much effort or expense.  Here are some small ways to make a BIG impact.

How can YOU help during Hunger Action Month?

    • On your next grocery shop, pick up an extra item to donate.  We are always in need of Kosher healthy breakfast items like hot and cold cereal or oatmeal.
    • If dropping off food is difficult, monetrary contributions of any size are always accepted.  You can donate to the JFCS food pantries by visiting www.jfcsonline.org/donate and add a note in the special instructions section directing your gift to support Hunger Action Month.
    • Have a home garden in your yard?  Fall is a great time to share fruits and veggies that ripen this time of year.  Discover how great it feels to share the FRUITS of your labor with the JFCS pantry.  Many community members have already started sharing their produce with our pantry – join them in providing for our clients.  To learn more about donating fresh produce, contact Lorena, Programming Assistant, Clinical & Hunger Prevention.
How can GROUPS help during Hunger Action Month?
    • Volunteer with family, friends or colleagues! Help pack bags at the JFCS pantry or provide support at a mobile pantry distribution.
    • Organize a community food drive! Collect non-perishable food or personal care items to donate from colleagues, friends or classmates.
    • Participate in a Shop & Stock!  Grab a Bingo card of needed groceries and fill the card and your cart with items to bring back to stock our food pantry.  Make it a competition and see who can find the best deals.
    • For more information about group opportunities, contact Eden, Coordinator of Volunteers and Community Programming.

From training wheels to racing wheels, how can EVERYONE get involved?

Participate in JFCS’ 2nd Annual Wheels for Meals bike ride on October 9th!  Funds raised support all JFCS food distribution programs including the brick-and-mortar and mobile food pantries and senior nutrition programs. With several route options for beginners to the most experienced cyclists, this ride has something for everyone! Not a rider?  Sponsor one or donate to the event.  Learn more and register to ride at jfcswheels4meals.org!

We’re Hiring! Per Diem Therapist

Per Diem Therapist

Responsibilities:

• Collect, assess and evaluate information about the client’s situation and presenting symptoms
• Provide therapeutic interventions that are evidenced based; crisis intervention and stabilization
• Make appropriate referrals and assist with linkage to services
• Coordinate the development and implementation of the treatment plan, comprehensive assessments, discharge plans within established time frames.
• Monitor progress towards treatment goals by evaluating and adjusting services provided
• Experience with the DSM5 and ICD10 for psychiatric diagnosis
• Facilitate individual, family and group counseling sessions
• Educate family members by advising on the most appropriate and helpful roles they can fulfill in the treatment process
• Complete clinical documentation in an accurate, timely manner
• Participate in weekly case conferences and scheduled clinical and staff meetings
• Ability to maintain confidential information within HIPAA guidelines and Agency policies

Qualifications:
• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university. Must have a current active clinical license to practice; LCSW or LPC
• Must have the ability to obtain clearances as defined by Agency policies
• Ability to communicate and effectively work with culturally diverse clients, stakeholders, referral sources, and community partners including school administration, teachers, parents, students, care management organization (CMO), hospitals, Mobile Response, DCP&P, FSO and other community organizations.

Part Time Position with flexible schedule
Please submit cover letter and resume to: ShirleyB@jfcsonline.org.